In John Pruett’s class all the children were busy copying out a note to take home to their parents.

John had written on the blackboard: ‘School closed today for the Easter holiday and will reopen on Monday, 13th April.’

Every child had to write it out twice, with the second copy being taken home by the younger children in Lily’s class.

After the first hour Lily soon appreciated that Anne had the makings of a good teacher. She communicated well with the children and responded to their requests for help. It was the beginning of a positive partnership. Lily was even more impressed when Anne volunteered to play the piano in assembly.

However, when Anne opened her songbook to Albert Midlane’s popular hymn ‘There’s a Friend for Little Children’ and began to play, Lily stared out of the window. John Pruett observed how she was suddenly in a world of her own. Also, he was sure he noticed a tear in her eye and wondered why.

After morning milk Lily and Anne were on playground duty during break. They were each sipping a cup of tea and watching Reggie Bamforth play the part of Robin Hood with a group of boys. He had been to Phoebe Fawnswater’s house to watch the new weekly series of Robin Hood. Patrick Troughton had become the first actor to play the role on television and Reggie was shooting imaginary arrows at Norman Fazackerly, who kept falling down and pretending to die.

Lily and Anne were soon in conversation. Anne lived with her parents on the Easington road and she intended to get married to John Grainger during the summer holidays, as soon as she had qualified. She was proud of her engagement ring, a small opal in a gold setting, and held it up in the morning light. ‘It belonged to John’s grandmother, so it’s been passed down through the generations.’

According to Anne, John was a tall, handsome trainee woodcarver. After completing his National Service he had secured employment with a local furniture maker specializing in oak sideboards, tables and chairs. She said he always took a pride in his work, often adding a finishing touch of a beautifully carved acorn. However, it was when he was in his shed at home on his father’s farm carving models of shire horses that he felt like a craftsman of old, creating wonderful shapes from a simple block of seasoned oak.

As the bell rang for the end of playtime, Anne noticed there were no rings on Lily’s finger.

It was midday and the doctor and midwife had done their work. Ruby was holding a beautiful baby girl in her arms. ‘Ah did it, Mam,’ she said.

‘An’ she’s lovely … jus’ perfec’ like ’er mother,’ said Agnes. ‘C’mon, let me ’old ’er.’